Prediction: Where Auburn players will go in the draft
Draft day is finally here. There are plenty of former Auburn Tigers who could hear their names called this weekend. We have spent the week going back and looking at the best moments from the big three. Now, they get to continue that success on the next level.
I want to give my best guess at where they all may land in the draft this weekend. I did this after Auburn’s pro day, but after looking around the rest of the draft class, this is my final prediction before it takes place.
I have looked around at team needs and draft order, so I will also attempt to get it down to the specific pick. Wish me luck.
CB, Roger McCreary – Early 2nd round
At one time I was certain McCreary would be a first rounder, while that isn’t out of the question, I think his measurables (5-11 190) and 40 time (4.5) could drop him a few spots.
The tape never lies and whoever decides to draft McCreary will be glad they did. The testing is important, and sometimes helps find good players, but it isn’t everything. McCreary has made that 3-star high school rating look silly consistently.
My bet is on Round 2, pick No. 7 (39 overall) to the Houston Texans.
[ WATCH: The best moments from Roger McCreary’s Auburn career ]
S, Smoke Monday – Late 5th round
Smoke Monday absolutely helped himself in the draft with the combine and pro day. He ran a faster 40 time than most thought he would at 4.52 making him as fast as McCreary on paper.
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Some of the things on film that hurt Monday are his tendency to read the QB’s eyes and get out of position. On the flip side, his football IQ is off the charts and that shows on tape. His demeanor and love of contact will bode will, especially as a bigger safety at 6-2 207.
My bet is on Round 5, pick No. 34 (177 overall) to the Detroit Lions.
[ WATCH: The best moments from Smoke Monday’s Auburn career ]
LB, Zakoby McClain – Late 6th round
McClain is a physical specimen as we all know. He is getting the same criticism that most Auburn LB’s have in the past: Extremely physical, loves contact, not a great athlete in space and coverage. That will probably limit him on the next level, but his production is too remarkable not to take a chance on.
There is still a place for physical LB’s in the world of football. There always will be. McClain can hold his own in the NFL in my opinion, because he knows how to be in the right place. Sometimes that high level of football IQ is just as good as being an elite athlete. I think he gets picked up.
My bet is on Round 6, pick No. 32 (210 overall) to the New England Patriots
[ WATCH: The best moments from Zakoby McClain’s Auburn career ]
WR, Demetris Robertson – 7th round
Robertson had a nice pro day posting a 4.4 40 and having the best vertical of any Auburn player at 34″. He has played a lot of football, and although he has never exploded, he has had moderate success or higher at every stop. I think he’s got a chance to be drafted as WR’s are often taken more in the later rounds.
My bet is on Round 7, pick No. 29 (250 overall) to the Minnesota Vikings.
